PhrasesHub

(On a) wing and a prayer

    Definitions

      • barely manage
        Describing a situation where success or survival is achieved by the smallest margin

      • hope for the best
        Expressing the act of relying on luck or faith to get through a difficult situation

    Examples of (On a) wing and a prayer

    • The small airplane took off on a wing and a prayer, as it had developed a engine problem during the pre-flight check.

      This example shows how the idiom "on a wing and a prayer" is used to describe a situation where someone or something is facing danger or uncertainty with very little chance of success. In this case, the small airplane is taking off despite a potential engine failure, which requires a lot of faith and hope that everything will work out.

    • The sailor set sail on a wing and a prayer, with no wind in the sails and a damaged rudder.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used in different contexts, such as sea travel. The sailor is departing without any favorable conditions, relying solely on luck to help him navigate the ocean.

    • The surgeon performed the risky operation on a wing and a prayer, as the patient's vital signs were rapidly deteriorating.

      This usage shows the idiom's potential to convey a depth of emotion, as the surgeon is operating while confronting a potentially deadly situation. It implies that the outcome of the operation is highly in doubt, as the surgeon is hoping for a positive outcome while recognizing the seriousness of the situation.

    • The journalist reported the story on a wing and a prayer, as she had received contradictory information and had no concrete evidence to back up her claims.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a situation in which the speaker is proceeding with caution based on limited information. She is uncertain of the truth, but is still reporting the story, hoping that the facts will come to light to vindicate her claims.

    • The pilot guided the old and dilapidated plane through the turbulent skies, clinging onto hope with (on a) wing and a prayer. As the engine sputtered and smoke billowed out, the passengers braced themselves for the worst. But somehow, they landed safely.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a person is facing unpredictable and hazardous circumstances with only the bare minimum of resources or chances for success. The phrase "wing and a prayer" signifies that the individual is relying solely on pure luck and faith, as if they are flying on the wings of a bird and hoping for divine intervention to see them through safely. It implies a great deal of risk and uncertainty, which can make for an exciting and dramatic narrative.

    • The small airplane took off on a wing and a prayer as the pilot's instruments started to malfunction.

      This example uses the idiom "on a wing and a prayer" to describe a situation where someone is relying completely on luck and hope rather than practical means or preparation. In this case, the airplane is facing technical difficulties, but the pilot still decides to take off, trusting that everything will work out somehow.

    • Sarah's sick child was taken to the hospital on a wing and a prayer, as the ER was overwhelmed with patients.

      Here, the idiom is used to indicate that Sarah's situation was uncertain and fraught with danger, as the child needed immediate medical care but the hospital was already overburdened. Sarah could only cross her fingers and hope for the best.

    • The struggling startup launched its new product on a wing and a prayer, with little marketing or promotion.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom to describe a risky or unsupported move. In this case, the new product was launched without any real preparation or strategy, and the company was essentially counting on luck to make it a success.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "(on a) wing and a prayer" is used to describe a situation where success or survival is achieved by the smallest margin, or when someone is relying on luck or faith to get through a difficult situation. It can also imply barely managing to accomplish something.

    People often use this idiom to convey the idea of being in a precarious situation, where the outcome is uncertain and success is unlikely. It is commonly used in situations where there is little hope for success, but people are still holding on to the possibility of achieving it against all odds.

    Origin of "(On a) wing and a prayer"

    The origin of the idiom "(on a) wing and a prayer" can be traced back to World War II. It was popularized by the song "Comin' in on a Wing and a Prayer," which was released in 1943. The song told the story of a damaged bomber plane struggling to return to base, symbolizing the hope and faith of the crew to survive against all odds.

    The idiom has since become a part of everyday language, used to describe any situation where success or survival is uncertain and relies heavily on luck or faith. It has been widely adopted in both literal and figurative contexts, and continues to be a popular expression in the English language.